The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. white fireplace marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern fireplace design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.